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Donald Trump has declared that if needed, he would consider serving as Speaker of the House for a “short period of time” as Republicans work to elect a new House Speakerto replace Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted Tuesday.
Multiple outlets previously reported the former president was mulling a trip to the Capitol ahead of a vote, amid calls from loyalists within the lower chamber. A source familiar with Trump’s recent private discussions toldRolling Stonethat Trump has said that he’s open to the possibility of a speakership run.
“They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion – I’m not doing it because I want to – I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision,” Trump toldFox News Digital Thursday. Trump said he would be open to serving for a “30-, 60-, or 90-day period.”
According to the outlet, Trump said that he indeed plans to travel to Washington, D.C. next week to discuss with congressional Republicans about choosing a new speaker. As of Thursday, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) officially enteredthe race to replace McCarthy.
Notably, following Trump’s announcement, Troy Nehls (R-T.X.),claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter),that Trump called him to say “he is endorsing Jim Jordan, and I believe Congress should listen to the leader of our party.”
Although MAGA representatives like Marjorie Taylor Greene haverepeatedlytouted their support for a Trump speakership bid, the GOP’s own rules may preclude them from even nominating Trump.
Rep. Sean Casten (D-Il.) pointed out that the House Republican Conference rules specify that “a member of the Republican Leadership shall step aside if indicted for a felony for which a sentence of two or more years imprisonment may be imposed.”
